“The brightest, most intelligent—not to mention goofiest—family theatre in town†says LA Parent. Audiences follow Beauty and a most endearing Beast through the world of manners, reading, sensitivity, gentility, and the pros and cons of washing behind your ears. The award-winning team of Chris DeCarlo and Evelyn Rudie have created an excitingly entertaining musical comedy version of the original French fantasy, molding the magic, romance, humor and grandeur of this timeless tale into a production which touches the hearts, and indeed, almost the fingertips, of audiences members 2 to 102, as they help Beauty discover that “it’s not what you look like, but what’s in your heart that counts†and find a magical happily-ever-after ending that leaves all who are young at heart breathless.
The beautifully and authentically costumed production, populated with silly scatter-brained sisters, flamboyant suitor, spell-binding sorceress and gentle Papa, features Actors’ Repertory Theatre members Celeste Akiki, James Cooper, Serena Dolinsky and Melissa Gentry, with special guest appearances by Nicole Foti, Sarah Karpeles, and Alex Lercher as “Beast.†“A delightful Family Musical with a timeless message†(The Argonaut).
Festive Birthday and Tea Parties hosted by a costumed fairy tale character are offered with every performance. The production is also available for Girl Scout and school field trips to the Playhouse, complete with behind-the-scenes tour and post-show discussion with the cast.
Sat & Sun, 12:30 and 3pm, now through June 20. Kids 12 and under $10.50; adults $12.50. For tickets and party information,
http://SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com or call the Playhouse Box Office at (310) 394-9779 ext. 2. Reservations are necessary.
Santa Monica Playhouse, celebrating 50 years of continuous operation, is located at 1211th Street (between Wilshire & Arizona) in the heart of Santa Monica’s Bayside District. Convenient Parking is located across the street in municipal lot #1. By public transportation: take the Santa Monica Blue Bus or the LA Metro Rapid #720 and exit at 4th and Wilshire.